Abdourahamane Tchiani

Benin
Atos to boost Benin's aviation intelligence

The debt-burdened French IT services group has been selected to modernise the Beninese army's airborne capabilities in collaboration with France's Défense Conseil International (DCI).

Niger
US withholds armoured vehicles after junta ends military cooperation

The breakdown in military cooperation between the United States and Niger, announced on 16 March by General Abdourahamane Tchiani's junta, is likely to have a direct impact on the modernisation of the Forces Armées Nigériennes (FAN).

Niger
Niger junta sends envoys to Doha in bid for economic help

The diplomatically isolated Niger junta is hoping that it can attract funds from the Gulf. It recently sent a delegation to Doha to that end.

Palace Intrigues
Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema, Alassane Ouattara, Joseph Boakai, Mohamed Bazoum

Intrigues big and small: every Thursday, Africa Intelligence takes a peek into the corridors of power in Africa and beyond.

GabonOligui Nguema due in Abidjan

LiberiaOuattara lays on jet for Boakai

NigerJunta divided over Bazoum's release

Morocco, Niger
Niger's ambassador pulls out all the stops with Moroccan businesses

Following Morocco's proposal of an economic partnership with the Sahel countries, Niamey is jumping on the opportunity to revive projects ex-President Mohamed Bazoum had started.

Niger
Junta deals fatal blow to military cooperation with Paris

Niger's military leader has recalled the country's defence attaché in Paris. And for the first time in nearly fifty years, Niamey will not be sending any of its officers to France for training.

Comoros islands
Assoumani postpones visits to Sahel juntas

Azali Assoumani's twice-postponed trip to the Sahel is now expected to take place in the next few months, but he will visit as Comorian president and no longer in an AU capacity.

Niger
General Tchiani's junta makes contact with BRICS alliance

On 29 January, the Nigerien transition president met discreetly with Ahoua Don Mello, the West and Central Africa representative of the alliance formed by Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa.

Palace Intrigues
Azali Assoumani, Jean-Pierre Bemba, Abdourahamane Tchiani, Bobi Wine

Intrigues big and small: every Thursday, Africa Intelligence takes a peek into the corridors of power in Africa and beyond.

ComorosOutgoing AU chair Assoumani aims for Sahel tour

DRCElectoral commission boss berated by Bemba

NigerBattle for ambassador's Paris residence

UgandaBobi Wine prepares his political comeback in music

Morocco, Niger
Rabat deploys religious diplomacy for rapprochement with Niamey

Rabat is stepping up diplomatic initiatives to strengthen ties with Niger, with Morocco's minister of Islamic affairs Ahmed Toufiq sending a delegation of religious representatives to Niamey to mark the month of Ramadan.

Niger
French lycée in Niamey to close for good

After the coup d'état on 26 July 2023 and the spectacular deterioration in relations between Paris and Niamey, France's Lycée La Fontaine in the Nigerien capital will not be re-opening its doors at the start of the new school year in September.

Niger
Junta and IMF take baby steps toward dialogue

After months of silence following General Abdourahamane Tchiani's 26 July military coup, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and Niamey are ever-so-slowly reaching out.

Niger
Junta sets conditions for Mohamed Bazoum's release

The ex-president's son was released on 8 January on the orders of Niger's military leader, General Tchiani, but his own fate is still being negotiated.